Two Years of The Villij: Rooted in Community, Nourished by Connection
Two years ago, we opened the doors to The Villij with one simple intention: to create a space where women of colour could nurture their wellbeing through community. What began as a pop-up yoga experience has grown into a studio that welcomed 2500 women in two years — a space that feels safe, refreshing, and rooted in care.
Captured by Nautica Simone
This past Sunday, we celebrated our Second Studio Anniversary with an intimate dinner inspired by the theme “Roots.” The theme reflected our own friendship — how we’ve grown together through deep trust, shared purpose, and the grounding belief that community care can change lives. We wanted the evening to feel like a homecoming — warm, intentional, and deeply connected to where it all began.
Behind the scenes, our team poured their hearts into every detail. From setting up a secret location, handwritten affirmation cards placed at each seat to soft florals and meaningful Just Checking In cards that transformed the space, everything was designed to help our guests feel seen and appreciated.
The evening opened with handcrafted mocktails, followed by a Caribbean-inspired three-course meal curated by the incredible Chef Laura Edwards. Each dish told a story of culture, roots, and comfort. The standout? Chicken roulade with curry sweet potato purée, roasted okra & jerk-spiced jus AND the rice and peas arancini with scotch bonnet romesco. It was a meal that nourished not only the body but the spirit; A reminder of how food connects us to memory, tradition, and joy.
Our guests also received thoughtfully curated gift bags valued at over $150 — filled with Villij favourites from our partners:
AG Care – clean, salon-quality haircare rooted in balance
Dealbodies – nourishing body care made for everyday rituals
Dose Juice – cold-pressed juices to refresh and revive
Ginny – sparkling adaptogenic tonics for calm and clarity
Gruvi – non-alcoholic beverages for mindful celebration
Innisfree – skincare inspired by the benefits of nature
Mosse – mineral-rich sea moss gel for daily nourishment
Rainbo – functional mushroom tinctures to support balance
Smart Sweets – a sweet treat with no compromise
Suku Vitamins – gummy vitamins designed to make wellness easy
The Ordinary – science-backed skincare for every routine
Unscented Co. – sustainable, fragrance-free essentials
Wellbar – delicious, plant-based snack bars for on-the-go energy
Each gift was chosen to extend the energy of the night, care that lingers long after the celebration ends.
We ended the evening with laughter and snapshots at our photobooth by CLCKLD Photobooth, capturing the joy, connection, and genuine sisterhood that filled the room. Guests left with keepsake photos, full hearts, and the glow of shared presence — exactly what we hoped to create.
Throughout the night, we heard from women who shared how The Villij has shaped their wellness journeys — helping them rest more deeply, move more intentionally, and connect more meaningfully. Their reflections reminded us why we started and why we’ll continue to nurture this work with purpose.
To our community, our team, and every woman who has ever stepped into The Villij — thank you for growing with us, rooting for us, and reminding us that wellness is better when it’s shared.
With love,
Kim & Shanelle
Co-Founders, The Villij
